Testing at OVO our principles

Testing at OVO our principles

Early in 2018 OVO started a fundamental shift in our testing strategy. We evaluated the market, our technology choices, and where software testing was going. As a progressive company we wanted to be ahead of the current trends, specifically around hiring or training test automation engineers. Instead, it was decided that we would fully embrace exploratory testing, better communication, and allowing our testers to gain as much knowledge as possible to drive decisions.

Our testing strategy is evolving but below I will lay out some of our principles:

Testing fits seamlessly into our agile approach by complementing, supporting and enhancing the whole team’s ability to deliver. Testers are part of the delivery team, not a separate department. The test approaches are in line with delivery of value, not opposed to it. The responsibility of testers is to ship software, not hinder, block or resist.

Testing is not checking, and checking is automated wherever possible. Testers are trusted experts, involved very early in design and planning discussions to ask searching questions before any software or hardware is built. Testers focus on up-front design and planning, creating stories and test plans that can be automated.

Engineers are responsible for the automation of acceptance criteria. Individuals writing the code will confirm it works. Testers help engineers develop ideas and explore the product, further increasing the knowledge in the team.

Testers work closely with product leaders and managers to discover the business value and commercial impact of all work. Testing is designed and guided by value; short feedback cycles allow the business to make decisions about quality investment in any product.

Testers use exploratory testing sessions and ensure they are well documented, measurable and auditable. The outcomes will be universally understood and communicated clearly to the rest of the team.

A message from our testers:

We are not afraid to challenge the status quo, have tricky conversations and to stand strong for our approach to testing. Doing the right thing is important, but so too is fostering relationships. We carefully choose when to stand and when to compromise on testing. This way we build trust and ensure the best outcome for OVO. We are the experts in testing.